THE RETURN TO RIGHTEOUSNESS: DISCERNING TRUTH, DECEPTION, AND GOD’S JUST JUDGMENT IN TROUBLED TIMES By: Major Frank Materu
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Key Scripture
“For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.”
— Luke 12:2
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Introduction
We are living in times of great contrast—times that are both good and difficult, hopeful and deeply troubling. On one hand, God is moving powerfully to expose truth, restore righteousness, and awaken consciences. On the other hand, the world is experiencing unprecedented moral confusion, deception, civil unrest, and spiritual warfare. These realities coexist, not by accident, but because humanity stands at a crossroads between God’s ways and self-chosen paths.
The message before us reveals a divine season of exposure and accountability. Long-hidden motives are being uncovered. Pretenses are collapsing. Those who have lived deceitfully while presenting themselves as virtuous are being revealed, while others—quietly upright, resilient, and faithful—are being vindicated despite years of misrepresentation, persecution, and character assassination. This is not random chaos; it is the hand of God at work in what He declares to be a Return to Righteousness.
In every era of spiritual conflict, truth and lies collide openly. As in times of war, many are affected by internal and external battles. Social unrest, ideological manipulation, and moral pressure have left countless individuals wounded, confused, and hopeless. Some have lost their sense of identity, dignity, and purpose—often through powerful cultural narratives that promise freedom but deliver deep anguish instead.
This lesson seeks to illuminate God’s perspective in such times. It addresses the exposure of deception, the danger of humanity attempting to redefine God’s design, the accountability of those entrusted with influence, the certainty of divine justice, and the call for God’s people to remain discerning, steadfast, and rooted in truth. Above all, it reminds us that God remains sovereign, righteous, and merciful, even as He confronts wickedness and calls the world back to Himself.
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A Season of Exposure and Divine Separation
“But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.”
— Ephesians 5:13
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God declares that these are times when hidden realities are being brought into the open. Deception thrives in darkness, but truth flourishes in the light. Many who have carefully constructed images of moral authority, integrity, or benevolence are now being revealed as operating through deceit, manipulation, and self-interest. Such exposure is not merely social or political; it is spiritual.
At the same time, there are those whose lives have quietly undergone genuine transformation. Despite enduring false accusations, hostility, and deliberate character damage from adversaries, they have remained morally upright and faithful. God Himself vindicates such people, demonstrating that righteousness endures even under pressure.
This separation is part of God’s redemptive work. Exposure is not solely punitive; it is revelatory. It distinguishes truth from falsehood and invites repentance where possible. Those who persist in deception, however, reveal the true nature of the forces influencing them. Scripture consistently warns that lying, manipulation, and moral distortion are hallmarks of spiritual rebellion rather than divine wisdom.
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Moral Confusion and the Loss of God-Given Identity
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.”
— Isaiah 5:20
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One of the gravest consequences of widespread deception is the erosion of identity. When societies reject God’s design, confusion replaces clarity. Many individuals, under immense cultural pressure and ideological persuasion, have lost sight of the identity God bestowed upon them from birth. Instead of finding healing and wholeness, they are often driven into deeper distress.
This confusion has, in some cases, led to irreversible physical and emotional harm, particularly among the vulnerable. God’s heart is deeply grieved when children are misled, exploited, or subjected to decisions they cannot fully comprehend. Scripture consistently emphasizes God’s protection of the innocent and His severe warning against causing harm to them.
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for them to have a millstone hung around their neck.”
— Matthew 18:6
God’s concern is not condemnation without hope, but truth spoken in love. Many who have followed destructive paths now testify to deep regret, emotional anguish, and spiritual turmoil. These outcomes reveal that rejecting God’s design does not bring freedom, but bondage. Compassion must be extended to those who are suffering, while truth must remain uncompromised.
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The Danger of Humanity Attempting to Replace God
“You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God.’”
— Isaiah 14:13
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When human beings attempt to redefine creation, morality, and identity apart from God, they step into dangerous territory. Scripture reveals that such actions are rooted not in wisdom, but in pride. The desire to “be like God” has been the source of humanity’s greatest downfall since the beginning.
Human ingenuity, when detached from divine wisdom, does not produce harmony; it produces disorder. God declares that when people attempt to recreate what He has already declared good, they inevitably produce brokenness rather than healing. True greatness is not found in defying God, but in submitting to Him.
Those who misuse their influence, intelligence, or authority for destructive purposes are held accountable by God. Gifts are given to serve life, not to distort it. God is clear that moral responsibility increases with authority and knowledge.
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.”
— Luke 12:48
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God’s Justice and the Certainty of Accountability
“It is Mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
— Romans 12:19
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God affirms that He is fully aware of every action, motive, and consequence. No crime, deception, or injustice escapes His notice. While the world may temporarily reward wrongdoing with wealth, fame, or influence, divine justice is never suspended.
Those who have refused mercy, exploited others, or persisted in gross wickedness will face God’s judgment. This is not cruelty; it is justice. God’s judgments are righteous and measured, reflecting His holiness. His patience should never be mistaken for approval.
At the same time, God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. His desire is repentance and restoration. Judgment comes only when truth is persistently rejected and mercy is repeatedly refused.
“The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.”
— Nahum 1:3
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Lessons from the Fall of Humanity
“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye… she took some and ate it.”
— Genesis 3:6
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The account of Adam and Eve remains a timeless warning. God created humanity in perfection, beauty, and harmony. Yet they chose to trust deception over divine instruction. The serpent’s promise of enlightenment resulted in loss, separation, and hardship.
Their story reveals a critical truth: disobedience always carries consequences. Choosing deception over God’s word leads to exile from peace, clarity, and divine covering. Humanity’s suffering did not originate in God’s design, but in human choice.
Those who align themselves with deception today repeat the same pattern. They may experience temporary advantage, but ultimately they reap the fruit of rebellion rather than the blessings of obedience.
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Summary
We are living in a divinely appointed season of exposure, separation, and reckoning. God is revealing truth, confronting deception, and calling humanity back to righteousness. Moral confusion, identity loss, and injustice are symptoms of rejecting God’s design. Yet God remains merciful, just, and faithful, offering repentance and restoration while assuring accountability for persistent wickedness.
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Conclusion
The times demand discernment, courage, and unwavering commitment to truth. God’s people must not be swayed by cultural pressure, emotional manipulation, or deceptive appearances. Righteousness remains God’s standard, and obedience remains the path to life. While darkness may intensify, light will always prevail.
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Call to Action
Examine your heart, your beliefs, and your loyalties. Reject deception in all its forms. Stand for truth with humility and compassion. Protect the vulnerable. Pray for repentance where possible and trust God’s justice where necessary. Choose God’s way above all others.
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Final Word of Encouragement
God is not absent. He is actively working, exposing, restoring, and redeeming. Remain steadfast. Walk in truth. Trust His timing. The Return to Righteousness is not a slogan—it is a divine movement, and you are called to be part of it.
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Salvation Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I acknowledge that Your ways are righteous and true.
I confess my sins and the times I have chosen my own way above Yours.
I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, who died for my sins and rose again.
I repent and turn toward You with all my heart.
Cleanse me, restore me, and lead me in Your truth.
Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me walk in righteousness.
From this day forward, I choose Your way, Your truth, and Your life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
